The Distillery Tour at Lochranza Distillery, Isle of Arran

Since moving to the Scottish Highlands over five years ago now, one thing that I have come to love about this place is whisky. I never really liked whisky before moving to the Highlands, but over the years (and through many, many tastings) it's become something that I really enjoy learning about and discovering more about the history of.

Every winter, my family visit the Isle of Arran. It's become one of my favourite trips every year, and I love the chance to really slow down and enjoy a slower island pace, especially in the run up to Christmas. Last December, during our visit, we did something I've never done before: taken part in a whisky tour at Lochranza Distillery in the north of the island.

We've taken part in a couple of distillery tours around the Scottish Highlands, so we do kind of know the process of making whisky. What I love learning about in these tours are all the ways that the whisky making process has been transformed and has transformed the community around the distillery.

In the case of the history of whisky on the Isle of Arran, I was fascinated to learn about "Arran Water", the illicit historic spirit that was made in the past that was really put the island on the map. I even maneged to find a book sharing more about this historic drink (which I'm hoping to read for my guide to books set in the Highlands and Islands).

One thing I've always loved about Lochranza Distillery is their fantastic shop. Because we always visit at the start of December, we are often looking for Christmas presents during our stay. We often end up picking up a whisky miniature or a bottle of Arran Gold (their whisky cream) to enjoy over the festive period. I think a whisky miniature is often a pretty good gift for Secret Santa presents as well, so we normally pick up a couple of bits for the people in our lives.

If you're looking to find out more about whisky and are visiting the Isle of Arran, I'd highly recommend checking out the distillery tour at Lochranza Distillery. Our guide was super informative and happy to answer all our weird and wacky questions (although he assured us we didn't asked the strangest questions he's been asked). It would be a great way to spend a couple of hours, especially on a rainy day (which the West Coast of Scotland gets a lot of).

Looking for other whisky experiences around the Highlands and Islands? Be sure to check out these blogposts below

• Talisker Made by the Sea Experience, Isle of Skye

• All about the Whisky Distilleries on the Isle of Skye

• Torabhaig Distillery Tour, Isle of Skye